The Last Word - May 2008

The Last Word

What single change would most improve Nevada’s educational system?

Dr. Fred Maryanski, President,  Nevada State College, Henderson
Our largest employers must deliver the message to our school children that a good education is essential for advancement and success. It’s easy to get a job, but you need an education to have a career.

Leslie Parraguirre, Owner/Founder, Colours, Inc., Las Vegas
Partnerships like the Clark County Public Education Foundation have provided tremendous support through the generous donations of private individuals and corporations. I envision a community of partnerships like this to help meet the needs of our children and our educators.

Tom Fay, Executive Director,  Henderson Libraries, Henderson
Parental commitment to early literacy will allow children to be successful in school. Parents’ positive encouragement of reading is the foundation to a child’s comprehension of other subjects. Neither teacher nor librarian can replace the benefits of a parent’s early commitment to reading.

Chet Nichols, Executive Vice President, AmLand Properties, Las Vegas
The single change that would most improve Nevada’s educational system would be the privatization of the education system along with market-based performance and compensation.

Ashley Talbert, Academic Administrator, Nevada Virtual Academy, Las Vegas
Legislative leaders and the State Board of Education should expand educational options, so parents have more choice in how to best meet the individual needs of their children.

Jon Perry, Co-Owner/Sr. Technology Officer, Sting Surveillance, Henderson
My mom has been a teacher in the Clark County School District for almost 20 years and teachers’ salaries have remained stagnant. By paying teachers more money, we can improve the talent pool of educators in Nevada, and provide better education for students.